Shape Memory Foam Embolization for Aortic False Lumen Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aortic dissection (AD) presents complex, patient-specific anatomies with multiple fenestrations and tears, making it difficult to treat effectively, and existing treatments risk further vessel dissection or rupture.
Innovation Solution
A shape memory polymer foam embolization implant is delivered minimally invasively through tears or fenestrations to volumetrically fill the false lumen, depressurize it, and stabilize the vessel by forming thrombosis, while being compliant to reduce further dissection risk, and can be used with endovascular techniques like stents or grafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing treatments are used for aortic dissection, then treatment can be provided, but risk of further vessel dissection or rupture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compliant embolization implant that functions as a flexible structure within the aortic false lumen. This flexible implant adapts to the vessel's natural movements and pressure changes without causing stress concentration or rigid constraints that could lead to further dissection or rupture, thereby maintaining treatment safety while minimizing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes shape memory polymer material that changes its physical parameters (shape, stiffness, volume) in response to temperature or other stimuli. The implant can be delivered in a compressed state and then expand to its functional shape within the false lumen, allowing minimally invasive delivery while achieving effective embolization. This parameter change capability enables safe treatment without requiring high-force deployment that could damage the vessel.
2Reliability
If the false lumen is filled to depressurize it, then vessel stabilization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple embolization implants that can be delivered sequentially or simultaneously into different segments of the false lumen. Each implant independently fills and depressurizes a specific segment, achieving comprehensive vessel stabilization without requiring a single complex device. This segmented approach simplifies the individual implant structure while maintaining effective treatment across the entire affected area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a delivery catheter system as an intermediary to simplify the implantation process. The catheter guides and deploys the embolization implants into the false lumen without requiring direct manipulation of complex deployment mechanisms. This intermediary delivery system reduces the operational complexity of the treatment while achieving effective false lumen filling and vessel stabilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The implant effectively depressurizes the false lumen, stabilizes the vessel, and promotes healing by forming a collagenous scar, reducing false lumen volume and promoting healthy true lumen flow, with the polymer eventually biodegrading to leave native tissue.
Implementation Method 1
A shape memory polymer foam embolization implant is delivered minimally invasively through tears or fenestrations to volumetrically fill the false lumen, depressurize it, and stabilize the vessel by forming thrombosis
Implementation Method 2
with the polymer eventually biodegrading to leave native tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a system comprising: a backbone; a first polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) foam on the backbone; a second polyurethane SMP foam on the backbone; a third polyurethane SMP foam on the backbone and between the first and second SMP foams. Other embodiments are described herein.